Don’t Hide From Your Feelings

Navigate The Day

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In today's episode of Navigate the Day, we delve into the profound wisdom of Seneca as we explore the theme, "Don’t Hide From Your Feelings." The Stoic philosopher advises, “It’s better to conquer grief than to deceive it” (Seneca, On Consolation To Helvia, 17.1b). This powerful insight encourages us to confront our emotions honestly and work through them, rather than seeking temporary or false solutions.
As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, the journal prompt for today is, "Are there any feelings I need to face?" This prompts a candid reflection on the emotions we might be avoiding and the impact it has on our well-being.
In my own life, I've been grappling with the grief of a past relationship, finding myself sinking into isolation and mild depression. Despite recognizing the unhealthiness of these coping mechanisms, the intrusive thoughts and negative emotions persist, consuming a significant part of my day. Grief is an unfamiliar territory for me, and I reflect on how my acceptance of death contrasts with my struggles in accepting other forms of loss.
During my therapy session, we explore the nuances of loss, whether in friendships, romantic partnerships, or death. I am coming to understand that my relative acceptance of death is rooted in the closure it provides, a stark contrast to the ambiguous nature of other losses. Through therapy, I've been working on developing healthier ways to handle my emotions, acknowledging the need for genuine closure.
The journey towards emotional well-being is a continuous effort, and today's reflections remind me of the importance of facing emotions head-on. I've realized that my capacity for deep love, experienced in my past relationship, is a valuable aspect of my emotional landscape. Embracing the Stoic perspective that all external things are temporary gifts, I confront the illusion of permanence and the need to stop deceiving myself in various aspects of life.
Join me in this episode as we navigate the complexities of emotions, understanding that true resilience and healing come from an authentic confrontation with our feelings.
Thank you for listening and joining me on my journey of self-discovery!
Mediations and Prompts influenced from The Daily Stoic Books

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